Sebek and Baul (pt3)

Sebek gets to meet a dream-version of his grandfather in his youth during Book 7.

Baul is opposed to the group at first, insisting that he and Sebek look nothing alike and that their sharing of a surname must be coincidence (Grim: “He looks just like Sebek!”)

Sebek insists that he carries fae blood and that his mother has the same “signature Zigvolt scales” as Baul himself, but refrains from explaining his father.

Baul refuses to eat what Sebek and the others cook for the warriors and Silver reminds a distressed Sebek, “this is all a dream. The real Baul still cares about you.”

Baul is consistently opposed the presence of Sebek and the others, and is suspicious when they express interested in the location of Maleanor’s egg.

As they progress across the land Baul’s attitude can be seen to shift very slowly: he calls a for a break to eat when Sebek’s stomach growls and declares that Lilia may have made the right call in keeping Sebek with them, as Sebek is extremely familiar with Briarland geography and having him on the human side would be troublesome.

(Sebek: “I assure you I would never share such knowledge with people who despoil these lands.” – Baul: “…you’d better not.”)

Baul also offers Sebek one of his rations: smoked salmon, which Sebek says is his favorite, and that his mother (Baul’s daughter) makes an “especially exquisite” salmon carpaccio. Baul says he, too, enjoys salmon, and especially when it’s steamed.

Sebek: “Oh, I see. That’s…quite a coincidence. Heh heh.”

When Lilia comments on how Sebek’s fighting is improving Baul gives credit to Lilia as Briarland’s finest fighter, but Lilia says his fighting style reminds him mores of Baul’s: “I know you’ve been looking out for him as he follows you around.” Baul insists that he “would NEVER look after a human” and Lilia responds, “Sure, whatever you say.”

After Lilia is injured in a trap at the citadel Baul orders Sebek and the others to surrender to the enemy to save their lives, but they refuse. Baul responds, “Suit yourselves, if you value your own lives so little,” but he is smiling at the time.